Colts' Le'Raven Clark embraced 'next man up' mentality

Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Le’Raven Clark got the start at left tackle in Week 2 when it was revealed Anthony Castonzo suffered a setback with his hamstring injury.

Though Clark had a solid preseason, he was inactive Week 1 and it wasn’t clear how he might hold up against Ryan Kerrigan and the Redskins pass rush.

He answered the call admirably by giving the Colts a strong performance on the blind side in protecting quarterback Andrew Luck.

“A lot of heart, a lot of – it’s hard to go into Washington and play on the road and he did a great job,” said offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni. “He truly showed the next man up mentality. It’s as if it didn’t faze him. I know he has played a lot of football. So it was just great to see him come into the game and not miss a beat.”

Clark survived the roster cuts on Sept. 1 but then was named inactive for the season opener. After Castonzo suffered his hamstring setback in Week 2, he was called upon to deliver on the offensive line.

The third-year offensive tackle proved he can provide solid depth and even though he did allow a sack, he’s shown he can step in if the Colts need him at left tackle.

Sirianni also gave some credit to Clark’s supporting cast, who helped him get ready for the matchup with the Redskins.

“Le’Raven is playing left tackle so that’s a lot on him. So I thought he did a great job and Coach Guge (Dave DeGuglielmo) and Coach (Bobby) Johnson did a great job preparing him,” Sirianni said. “I think Coach Guge and Coach Johnson prepped him to be in that position and really prepared, helped him prepare as well as the other offensive linemen, especially our veteran offensive linemen like Matt Slauson and Anthony (Castonzo).”

It isn’t clear yet if Castonzo will be able to play in Week 3, but Clark will be waiting in the wings if he’s called upon again.

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